Modern Comics Review: Spider-Man/Fantastic Four #2

Whenever I read a comic that takes place in the past and claims to fit in between two previously established stories, I’m always worried that it won’t fit quite as well the writer thinks. Luckily, Christos Gage seems to have already mostly assuaged my worries in only two issue of Spider-Man/ Fantastic Four while also fitting some truly great character moments. Just like last issue, this an extremely entertaining issue that can easily be enjoyed by anyone whether they are familiar with this period in Marvel Comics history or not.

This issue jumps forward in time from the last one to right after Mr. Fantastic and the Human Torch helped Spider-Man to remove the future-Venom symbiote from his body. With a little help from the series’ overarching mystery villain, the symbiote breaks free and attempts to seek out a new host: Franklin Richards. The plot is a whole lot of fun this go around as the symbiote latches onto everyone from Mr. Fantastic to She-Hulk. Out of all the characters readers have seen be (at least temporarily) bonded with a symbiote, the Fantastic Four has never been among that number and it adds a unique freshness to the issue. There’s some great little continuity jokes thrown in well that only enhance the issue if you are familiar with the past of the FF and Spider-Man. The story doesn’t fit quite perfectly into continuity as the events of this issue seem like something that would have been mentioned in the comics since they occurred, but this is one of the necessary downsides that come with stories such as this.

Despite all this fun, where Gage really shines is in the voice he gives the characters. This particular issue focuses mainly on Spider-Man’s interactions with Reed Richards and there is some great stuff about how Peter Parker idolized Reed since even before he was Mr. Fantastic. Peter’s voice was handled expectedly well, but Gage really treats Reed’s with amazing skill. He manages to create a Mr. Fantastic that is both the smartest man in the room and family oriented without coming off as the cold, arrogant jerk he so often is these days. This Mr. Fantastic may be forgetful, but he is still concerned with spending time with his son and wife and does so lovingly. It’s one of the better depictions I have seen for the character in a while.

Meanwhile, Mario Alberti continues to prove himself better and better. This issue was absolutely gorgeous. His take on the symbiote is easily one of the most fluid and yet scary versions I have seen in quite some time. It looks truly fantastic on page and actually moves and acts like you would expect it would. And if you thought Venom was stretchy before, just wait until you see Reed Richards-Venom. It’s really entertaining to see each new version of Venom as he takes over new hosts. There’s even some really nice visual elements that Alberti adds for authenticity of the period this is set in, such as Franklin’s 4 ½ shirt and Sue’s hair.

Spider-Man/Fantastic Four #2 is even better than the first issue was. Both the action and characterization are ramped up to the next level and Alberti continues to bring his A-game. This was one of my personal favorite periods in Marvel history and Gage certainly did it justice. His characters even act similar to how they were characterized back then. If you have even a passing interest in any of the heroes involved, pick this book up immediately.

Overall: 8.9/10

Modern Comics Review: Spider-Man/Fantastic Four #1

It was only when Spider-Man/ Fantastic Four was announced that I’d ever even heard of the Spider-Man/ X-Men miniseries that Christos Gage had done previously so I had no idea what to expect out of this series. What I can say though is that this book had definitely made me want to check it out as this was one entertaining issue. This may not be the highest profile book of the week, but it surprised me and became one of my favorite.

The whole point of this book is to tell untold stories of Spider-Man and Fantastic Four team-ups at various points throughout the continuity of both and this first issue fits snugly into the continuity of the books here as the Fantastic Four are forced to protect Dr. Doom at a peace conference shortly after Ben Grimm had crushed Doom’s hands in a then-recent invasion of the Baxter Building. Since the peace meeting takes place at Empire State University during Peter Parker’s time as a student there, naturally Spider-Man become embroiled in the mess when Namor crashes the scene for a duel of honor with Doom.

Christos Gage sets up all of these scenes very well and nails each characters’ voice perfectly. As is to be expected, the Human Torch and Spider-Man have some of the greatest back and forth in all of comics and it all feels just right. There’s even a fun continuity gag that I particularly enjoyed when Johnny Storm burns off one of Spidey’s armpit webs. It’s all very fun and has the feel of a goofy, Silver Age story that seems like it could have been just a lost issue of either Spider-Man or Fantastic Four, just as it should. Gage even manages to set up an in continuity threat at the end of the book that is sure to pay off later on.

I have to say, at the beginning of the issue, I wasn’t really into artist Mario Alberti’s artwork, but it definitely grew on me as the issue went on, especially once the action starts. Alberti draws an amazing Human Torch and slender Spider-Man that look quite good. He is also able to render a classic feel and costumes excellently. His faces weren’t always great, especially on Namor, but luckily, they’re rarely the focus of a scene so it’s not a big problem. Ultimately, Alberti is able to pull off the issue is mostly the way I would want and I’m curious to see how he renders other villains as the story, and timeline, progress.

Overall, this was a surprisingly good issue that will definitely draw me back for succeeding issues. I always seem to underrate Christos Gage as a writer which is foolish as me as he only shows signs of improving. If you have even a passing interest in either the Fantastic Four or Spider-Man, you should definitely check this book out. Though it fits into continuity, you really don’t need to know any to enjoy this, though having some background only makes it that much more interesting. I’m excited to see where the upcoming issues go, especially with next issues apparent villain being Venom.

Overall: 8.3/10